CLOUDS OF WAR HOVER OVER PAKISTAN — ALTAF HUSSAIN URGES NATIONAL UNITY TO SAVE THE COUNTRY
LONDON. [UK]. April 26: Addressing the 41st Foundation Day gathering of MQM in London, MQM founder Altaf Hussain issued a grave warning about the looming threats facing Pakistan, urging the nation’s political and military leadership to unite for the sake of the country's survival.
"Clouds of war are hovering over Pakistan, and the country is under severe threat," Hussain said.
He emphasised that bridging the gap between the people and the armed forces has become the need of the hour.
"We can resolve our internal issues later — right now, we must focus on how to save Pakistan," he appealed to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and the heads of all three armed forces.
Comparing the role of the state to that of a mother, Hussain questioned whether the government truly feels the pain and suffering of its citizens, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He urged the leadership to reflect on why discontent has escalated in these regions and criticized the state's historical failures, citing the 1971 separation of East Pakistan as a warning of what happens when the public mandate is ignored.
Recalling past policy mistakes, he reiterated his long-standing stance against Pakistan's involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly the Afghan war, warning that such entanglements have left the country vulnerable.
"Today, Pakistan’s security is at serious risk, with the threat of war at the borders with India," he said.
Hussain called for an immediate roundtable conference of all political parties, including representatives of MQM and Imran Khan, to formulate a strategy to safeguard the nation.
He demanded the release of all political prisoners and the recovery of missing persons.
Further, Hussain appealed for the lifting of what he termed “unconstitutional and illegal restrictions” imposed on him and his party, requesting that MQM offices, including Nine-Zero, be reopened to allow MQM to play its historical role in national service, particularly in times of crisis.
Despite the injustices faced by him and his party, Hussain affirmed his unwavering commitment to Pakistan's security, survival, and prosperity.
"Today, the only solution is for the state and people to come onto the same page," he stressed, urging the military establishment to listen to the voice of the people after decades of unilateral decision-making.
Promoting peace, Hussain reiterated his slogan of "hatred for war and love for peace."
He also expressed condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over civilian casualties in the Pulwama attack and urged the Indian government to reconsider the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Simultaneously, he called upon Pakistan’s leaders to initiate dialogue with India to de-escalate tensions and assist in bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack to justice.
Hussain’s powerful message closed with a renewed call for unity, peace, and sincere efforts to steer Pakistan away from impending disaster.
It's pertinent to mention that Hussain made this address at a gathering organised by MQM UK in connection with MQM's 41st Foundation Day. Hundreds of participants from London, as well as from Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, Luton, Sheffield, Nottingham, Bradford, and other cities attended.